AMAD DIALLO sent the message that he should be in the starting XI loud and clear to Ruud van Nistelrooy and incoming boss Ruben Amorim.
The 22-year-old was a bright spark in an otherwise largely laboured performance from Manchester United as they beat PAOK 2-0.
PAAmad Diallo was superb as Man Utd laboured to a 2-0 win over PAOK[/caption]
United started slowly in the Europa League tie before managing to squeeze out a first win in European competition for over a year.
It was a low-key first half at Old Trafford.
But after the break Amad made the difference for the Red Devils as his lopping header across the box ended up finding the far side of the goal net, before he won the ball back high and curled a shot into the same corner.
Here’s how SunSport’s Phil Thomas rated the United players on Van Nistelrooy’s penultimate game as interim manager.
ANDRE ONANA – 6
One great tipover to keep out a Camara half-volley.
But any other stops were pretty routine.
NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6
Another solid, if unspectacular, display.
An increasingly dependable presence by the week.
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VICTOR LINDELOF – 6
Flat-footed once in the first half, but rarely flustered thereafter.
Started a few attacks as well.
JONNY EVANS – 6
Wise old head at the back.
But lucky to get away with going AWOL for one second half chance.
DIOGO DALOT – 4
GettyDiogo Dalot did not have his finest game with some shoddy defending[/caption]
Usually reliable, but shoddy with so much of what he did, and his delivery wasn’t great either.
Surprising he wasn’t hooked earlier.
CASEMIRO – 6
Starting point for most of what United did going forward.
Although that wasn’t a great deal to be honest.
MANUEL UGARTE – 5
Still far from the midfield general United hoped.
Distribution disappointing too. No shock when subbed off.
AMAD – STAR MAN 8
AFPAmad has made a case to start at the weekend[/caption]
Livewire runs, impressive closing down, the crucial opening goal…and a stunning second.
United’s best player by some distance.
BRUNO FERNANDES – 7
Knocked some marvellous passes, always looking to create.
At least someone was!
ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 6
Close with one header and a couple of decent runs, but all in all a quiet night.
Hooked.
RASMUS HOJLUND – 5
PARasmus Hojlund was largely on the periphery of the game[/caption]
One early header aside, little to work with apart from chasing hopeful balls.
No clear sights of goal, either.